Fenugreek is one of the oldest recorded medicinal herbs, highly esteemed by both east and west, and has

been regarded as a treatment for just about every ailmen t known to man. Fenugreek has a beneficial action on cleansing the blood. As a diaphoretic it is able to bring on a sweat and to help detox the body. This takes place through the pores of the skin. The pungent aroma of fenugreek may b e smelt on the skin and in under-arm perspiration. This is evidence that the her b is working well: shower frequently! The body odour of fenugreek is nowhere nea r as offensive as a body reeking of garlic. After using the sprouts for a while, this fenugreek body aroma, does not seem to be so apparent, maybe, the sprouts have done a pretty good cleanse. Fenugreek also has the reputation as a lymphatic cleansing herb. The lymphatic s ystem is the vacuum cleaner of the body. It has the vital role to irrigate the c ells with nutrients and to remove toxic wastes, dead cells and trapped proteins. The fluid is cleaned through the lymph nodes, before the body s 13 litres of filt ered lymph fluid recycles again, via the subclavian vein near the heart. A block ed lymphatic system can mean poor circulation, fluid retention, pain, loss of en ergy and dis-ease, anywhere in the body. An efficiently working lymphatic system is essential for a strong immune system. This is a wonderful feature of fenugre ek for stimulating and fortifying the immune system. ... ... see How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? for full text. Fenugreek is a practical herb for all mucus conditions of the body, particularly the lungs, by helping to clear congestion. It is a powerful antioxidant and it acts as a mucus solvent and throat cleanser, which also eases the urge to cough. Even drinking the water that seeds have soaked in and been rinsed with, helps t o soften and dissolve, accumulated and hardened masses of cellular debris. Use f enugreek for head colds, influenza, catarrh, constipation, bronchial complaints, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis, sore throat, laryngitis, hay fever and sinusitis. Fenugreek has been used for peptic ulcers and inflamed conditions of the stomach and bowel, absorbing toxic material and eliminating it; the healing and soothin g action, creates a protective coating, like a lubricant, over inflamed areas. T o make a tea, use 1 teasp. of seeds to 1 cup boiling water. People find that dri nking a cup of the tea before meals can bring relief from numerous ailments. Fen ugreek has helped travellers who have experienced abdominal griping pains and ga stric upsets, when travelling in countries where food and water have been contam inated. The slightly bitter properties of the seed are beneficial to digestion. ... ... see How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? for full text. Other medicinal uses of fenugreek have included: indigestion, allergies, anaemia , chronic fatigue, toothache, sciatica, neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism, gout, blood poisoning, anorexia, acne, oedema, hernia, muscular pain, constipation, di arrhoea, blood cleanser, headache, migraine, menstrual discomfort, menopause sym ptoms including hot flushes, mood swings and stress, ear infections and waxy ear , failing eyesight, cataracts, glaucoma and sore eyes, palpitations, ulcers, sta bilise hormone function, to relieve fevers from infectious diseases like measles and mumps, for sugar cravings, to aid fat metabolism, weight loss, internal spri ng-cleaning , and to stimulating the reproductive organs and relieving impotence. Fenugreek has had the reputation for enhancing libido. No wonder it has been cal led an aphrodisiac. I smiled, when I read in a herbal, Fenugreek, for making an o ld man into a young man ! Fenugreek is warming to the kidneys and the reproductive organs, of both male and female, and can be taken for any ailments of these org ans to help remove congestion and toxins. Use fenugreek to strengthen the nervous system, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, gall bladder and glands. Fenugreek seeds, either dry, or soaked in water for a few hours are chewed, as a breath freshener. Eating the sprouts, gives a similar

benefit to the breath. ... ... see How can I grow and use Sprouts as living food? for full text. Fenugreek has a powerful demulcent action, as it is rich in mucilage and can soo the irritated or inflamed tissue. For relief from the agonising symptoms of irri table bowel syndrome, colitis and diverticulitis, the soak-and-rinse water is drun k and the sprouts blended to a liquid. An old herbal, refers to fenugreek tea as the supreme herb for its ability to clean out your insides nothing else can do th e trick with such effectiveness, the mucilaginous properties of fenugreek soften and dissolve masses of accumulated wastes and toxins . Scientific research has id entified over a hundred biological compounds in the plant, many of them having e xceptionally therapeutic benefits to the body. Fenugreek is a truly remarkable, rejuvenating herb; use it to fortify the immune system. No wonder it has been ca lled the herb for every ailment under the sun !

ealth benefits of fenugreek seeds Fenugreek seeds are rich source of minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients. The seeds are very good source of soluble dietary fiber. Soaking the seeds i n water makes their outer coat soft and mucilaginous. 100 g of seeds provide 24. 6 g or over 65% of dietary fiber. Non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) which constitute major fiber content in the fenugreeks include saponins, hemicelluloses, mucilage, tannin, and pectin. Thes e compounds help lower blood LDL-cholesterol levels by inhibiting bile salts reabsorption in the colon. They also bind to toxins in the food and helps to prote ct the colon mucus membrane from cancers. NSPs (non-starch polysaccharides) increase the bulk of the food and augments bowel movements. Altogether, NSPs assist in smooth digestion and help relieve c onstipation ailments. It has been established that amino-acid 4-hydroxy isoleucine present in the fenugreek seeds has facilitator action on insulin secretion. In addition, fiber in the seeds help lower rate of glucose absorption in the intestines thus contro ls blood sugar levels. The seeds are therefore recommended in diabetic diet. The seeds contain many phytochemical compounds such as choline, trigonelline diosgenin, yamogenin, gitogenin, tigogenin and neotigogens. Together, these com pounds account for the medicinal properties of fenugreeks. This prized spice is an excellent source of minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an import ant component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pr essure by countering action on sodium. Iron is essential for red blood cell prod uction and as a co-factor for cytochrome-oxidases enzymes. It is also rich in many vital vitamins including thiamin, pyridoxine (vit.B6), folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin-A and vitamin-C that are essential n utrients for optimum health. Medicinal uses of fenugreek seed Its seeds have been used in many traditional medicines as laxative, digestiv e, and as a remedy for cough and bronchitis.

If used regularly, fenugreeks may help control cholesterol, triglyceride as well as high blood sugar (glycemic) levels in diabetics. Fenugreek seeds added to cereals and wheat flour (bread) or made in gruel, g iven to the nursing mothers to increase milk synthesis.

See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients: Fenugreeks (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Nutritional value per 100 g. (Source: USDA National Nutrient data base) Principle ge of RDA Energy 323 Kcal 16% Carbohydrates 58.35 g 45% Protein 23 g 41% Total Fat 6.41 g 21% Cholesterol 0 mg 0% Dietary Fiber 24.6 g 65% Vitamins Folates 57 g 14% Niacin 1.640 mg 7% Pyridoxine 0.600 mg 46% Riboflavin 0.366 mg 28% Thiamin 0.322 mg 27% Vitamin A 60 IU 2% Vitamin C 3 mg 5% Electrolytes Sodium 67 mg 4.5% Potassium 770 mg 16% Minerals Calcium 176 mg 18% Copper 1.110 mg 123% Iron 33.53 mg 419% Magnesium 191 mg 48% Manganese 1.228 mg 53% Phosphorus 296 mg 42% Selenium 6.3 g 11% Zinc 2.50 mg 23% Selection and storage

Nutrient Value Percenta

Fenugreek seeds are readily available in the spice stores year around. One may f ind different forms of seeds such as whole seeds, powdered or paste in these sto res. Choose whole seeds from authentic brands. The seeds should feature bright golden -yellow color, hard and exude delicate maple flavor. Avoid old stocks as they ma y infect by fungal mold and out of flavor. Store whole seeds in airtight glass container and place in a cool, dark place wh ere it will stay fresh for several months. Powdered or paste fenugreek however s hould be kept in the air-sealed packets and placed in the refrigerator.